10 must-see performances at Cheltenham Jazz Fest

Bringing six days of bold and brilliant music to Cheltenham, the renowned Jazz Festival 2017 is set to draw audiences from Gloucestershire and beyond from Wednesday 26 April to Monday 1 May 2017.

Whether you prefer modern musicians, international icons, or lively bands, the impressive line-up offers something for everyone, with plenty of family-friendly events also on the bill.

Offering musical inspiration ahead of this year’s showcase, SoGlos chats to Cheltenham Jazz Festival director, Ian George, who reveals his top 10 picks for 2017.

For Cheltenham Jazz Festival’s full programme, visit cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz directly.

1. Laura Mvula

Inspired by artists such as Nina Simone and Miles Davies, in addition to classical music and soul, Laura Mvula represents the future of jazz festivals and their broader genres. Performing on Wednesday 26 April 2017, the MOBO award-winner is set to showcase her trademark melodies at the Big Top.

2. Dee Dee Bridgewater

Image © Mark Higashino

Cheltenham Jazz Festival remains dedicated to bringing legends to town, and jazz diva Dee Dee Bridgewater certainly fits the bill, having performed with greats such as Dizzy Gillespie and Sonny Rollins.

Music fans have the rare chance to hear the UK premiere of her new album, inspired by the sound of sixties Memphis R&B, on Thursday 27 April 2017.

3. Kansas Smitty’s House Band

Image © Rah Petherbridge Photography

From Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 April 2017, expect a late night party atmosphere from London-based Kansas Smitty’s House Band, a self-confessed ‘jazz addicted’ group. Shaping live jazz, and reinventing it, the band promise to deliver an unmissable performance in Cheltenham.

4. Valerie June

Image © Danny Clinch

Blending soul, folk, blues, and Americana, Valerie June is currently being played on BBC 6 Music with her latest record. Taking to the stage on Friday 28 April 2017, audiences can enjoy what has been hailed by The New Yorker as a ‘unique, captivating voice’.

5. Friday Night is Music Night

Always a jewel in Cheltenham Jazz Festival’s crown, Friday Night is Music Night, which SoGlos is sponsoring, will celebrate jazz icons including James Brown, Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder on Friday 28 April 2017.

Conducted by Guy Barker and broadcast live on BBC Radio 2, the show will feature the BBC Concert Orchestra, the Guy Barker Big Band, and vocalists Shaun Escoffrey, Tony Momrelle, Vanessa Haynes and Noel McKoy.

6. Orchestra Baobab

Image © Jonass Karlsson

With the festival bringing the best of world music to town, influential band Orchestra Baobab will blend Afro-Cuban rhythm with Portuguese influences and Congolese rumba, offering a slice of sunshine at the Big Top on Saturday 29 April 2017.

7. Booker T. Jones

Grammy Lifetime Achievement award winner, Booker T. Jones, who arguably defined modern soul music, is set to deliver an unmissable show-stopping performance on Saturday 29 April 2017.

8. The Necks

Enjoy an entirely improvised performance on Saturday 29 April 2017, when cult Australian band, The Necks, storm the stage for a live show like no other. With the band currently celebrating its 30th anniversary and visiting Cheltenham for the first time, audiences can expect a unique jazz experience.

9. Showcase: Sarah Munro and Mode 9

Supporting up-and-coming local talent, Cheltenham Jazz Festival has selected two artists from last year’s free stage to showcase their sound during the main stage Showcase slot.

On Monday 1 May 2017, the double bill will span singer-songwriter Sarah Munro performing tracks from her debut album; and Mode9 fusing neo-soul, slick jazz and a hint of funk.

10. Hot 8 Brass Band

Image © Fargo True

New Orleans bad boys, Hot 8 Brass Band is set to get audiences on their feet during a high-energy, funk-filled performance on Monday 1 May 2017, with the show sure to live up to the band’s motto ‘we brass hard’.

For more information about Cheltenham Jazz Festival’s full line-up visit cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz directly.

from  www.soglos.com